About Moreton Island

From holiday houses to holiday villas, you'll find great accommodation for your stay in Moreton Island!

You will find many properties on the Stayz site offering great bargain accommodation packages to ensure that you experience your ideal getaway!

Moreton Island: Holidays Amidst Sea, Sand and History

Moreton Island, along with Fraser Island, is one of the largest sand islands on the planet. The popular holiday destination is easily accessible from Brisbane and provides activities for both sea and land lovers. Spend your days lounging on white sand, snorkelling, diving or fishing - and don’t forget to check out the dolphin feedings in Tangalooma.

Head slightly further inland to climb the tallest sand dune in the world before rushing down it on a toboggan or board. Wander through Moreton Island National Park to spot endangered birdlife species. Venture off the beaten path to discover 2000-year-old middens and World War II fortifications.

Holiday rentals on Moreton Island include beachfront properties, modern resort apartments and luxurious villas away from the crowd.

Moreton Island Beaches and Water Sports

White sandy beaches are wrapped around most of Moreton Island, making it easy to hit the waves. The beaches on the ocean side have a stronger current, and you will often find surfers and fishermen congregating here. On the western side of the island, travellers have easy access to calm swimming beaches, favoured by families and those just looking to relax. These beaches are closest to the towns of Moreton Island.

The crystal waters around Moreton Island create prime snorkelling and diving opportunities. Rent some gear and venture out to the Tangalooma Wrecks, 15 ships that were sunk just to set up a dive site. Beneath the surface, you’ll be able to spy schools of tropical fish weaving their way between bright coral reefs. To find out more about this underwater world, join a group diving or snorkelling tour.

Other aquatic activities on Moreton Island include kayaking, jet-skiing, and sailing.

Wildlife on Moreton Island

Moreton Island is teeming with wildlife, on and off shore. Every day, rain or shine, wild dolphin feedings take place next to the Tangalooma Jetty. Visitors are able to feed the friendly marine mammals themselves, supervised by professional guides.

Between June and October, travellers can also take part in whale watching cruises. Tours start off at the Tangalooma Jetty. On top of guaranteed humpback whale sightings (or your money back), you’re likely to spot some stingrays and sea turtles throughout the day.

Moreton Island’s Sand Dunes

Beyond the waterfront, Moreton Island is fraught with sand dunes. Visitors can participate in a wide range of activities amongst the dunes. Classics include sand boarding and tobogganing. There’s also the option of hiring a 4WD and heading off to explore the naturally-formed dunes.

The tallest sand dune, Mount Tempest, towers above Tangalooma at 285 m. Considered the highest sand dune on the planet, the summit affords 360 degree views over the island and ocean. Hikers looking for a challenge can make their up on foot.

If this is your first time on a sand dune, you might prefer some of the smaller hills. Before heading off on your own, sign up for some tobogganing lessons, with classes for all age levels on offer.

Culture and Heritage on Moreton Island

While many travellers head to Moreton Island for the water and sand, cultural heritage isn’t hidden far beneath the surface. The area’s indigenous Ngugi People once lived on the island year-round, and many sites attest to their presence. Travellers can visit some of the cultural sites, such as sizeable shell middens, and even a stone quarry. The most easily accessible midden is located at Spitfire Creek.

The island also harbours testimonies to European settlers, including a convict-built lighthouse dating back to 1857. You can also see the remains of a whaling station, now encompassed by the Tangalooma resort. This is the only whaling station in the state. Those interested in World War II can visit remaining defence batteries scattered and learn about the island’s role in this part of history.

Getting to Moreton Island

To get to Moreton Island from the mainland, hop aboard a ferry right in Brisbane. The ride takes approximately 1.5 hours.